Harris Home Furnishings’ 40th Anniversary
Harris Home Furnishings was bustling with guests on Thursday morning during the invitation only 40th anniversary celebration. Although Thursday morning’s festivities were reserved for those with invitation, the home décor store has sales on their entire selection happening through Saturday.
As guests began to arrive shortly before 9 a.m., preparations for the celebration were well underway inside. Light appetizers and beverages were available, and the first 40 guests to walk through the doors received a special gift box with a large ceramic coffee mug inside. A spin-the-wheel game drew the crowd in, and prizes of all kinds were given out. Up for grabs were pens, money and a dinner for two at The Vintage Press Restaurante in Visalia.
Hosting the celebration and appreciation event, and greeting every guest with a hug and smile was store manager Larisa Fry Gibson. Store owners Nolan and Janice Harris were unable to attend.
Nolan and Janice opened up Harris Home Furnishings on August 1, 1979. They were at their first location at 103 N. Main Street, until August 1, 1990, when they opened up shop at their current location, 214 N. 2nd Street.
“I have been here for 32 years, so I think (Nolan and Janice) would feel amazed,” said Gibson. “They actually started the business when my boss was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. He is an incredibly hard-worker, he’s a workaholic. When he was diagnosed, it was going to completely take away his ability to walk. They knew they had to do something so they started a furniture business. Otherwise, they never would have went into business. Eight years later, I started working for them and over time, they’ve actually kind’ve semi-retired and I’ve been able to come in.”
And 32 years later, she’s still at it. Gibson is in the store almost every single day, making sure store operations are running smoothly and each customer is satisfied with their purchases.
She was excited to say Harris Home Furnishings will be home to huge sales through Saturday. Anything marked with a balloon is at least 40 percent off, while all other items in-store are discounted.
“It’s been astonishing and it’s been a wild ride,” said Gibson. “It’s a blessing.”